They were released by China following a diplomatic note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting that the Chinese side free them. However, their ship and fishing equipment were still being held by China.

Representatives of the local administration and the Vietnam Fishing Association met them on their return to inquire into their health. The Vietnam Fishing Support Fund provided initial financial assistance of VND2 million to each of the fishermen.

Nguyen Xuan Huoc, vice chairman of the Ly Son district People’s Committee, said that the district will supply rice to the fishermen for 3 to 6 months and assist them in buying new equipment.

The fishermen were seized by China on August 1 while trying to avoid a tropical low-pressure system in Vietnam’s Paracel archipelago.